Name: (Mother) Ann Lee D.O.B.: February 29, 1736 D.O.D.: September 8, 1784 Focused time period: 1750-1784 In 1750 George Whitefield was frequently in Manchester, England (Ann’s hometown), and he became a main influence of hers as she converted. In 1758, when Ann was only 22, she joined a religious group known as the “Shaking Quakers”. In 1770 Ann had a vision of Christ. He told her that a Shaker church would be successful in America. In 1774 she set off for America with 8 other followers. In 1780 believers finally started coming to the Shaker society. She was part of the reform by going around to towns and telling others how they could convert as well, some say she had a “gift”. Her and other believers claimed to have gotten visions. "It is not I that speak, it is Christ who dwells in me." She would usually sing, and could heal with her touch. Her main efforts were to spread her beliefs in pacifism, and the way they released their souls when they worshipped the Lord. She really didn’t have complaints with American society, she was just fully focused on spreading the belief that “Shakerism” was the one and only real religion. After Ann died her efforts were carried on, 19 Shaker communities were formed in 8 states. Also, the Utopian society is a branch off of the Shaker community. Utopian societies involve men and women being considered equal. This is how Mother Ann Lee was part of the reform.
D.O.B.: February 29, 1736
D.O.D.: September 8, 1784
Focused time period: 1750-1784
In 1750 George Whitefield was frequently in Manchester, England (Ann’s hometown), and he became a main influence of hers as she converted. In 1758, when Ann was only 22, she joined a religious group known as the “Shaking Quakers”. In 1770 Ann had a vision of Christ. He told her that a Shaker church would be successful in America. In 1774 she set off for America with 8 other followers. In 1780 believers finally started coming to the Shaker society.
She was part of the reform by going around to towns and telling others how they could convert as well, some say she had a “gift”. Her and other believers claimed to have gotten visions. "It is not I that speak, it is Christ who dwells in me." She would usually sing, and could heal with her touch. Her main efforts were to spread her beliefs in pacifism, and the way they released their souls when they worshipped the Lord. She really didn’t have complaints with American society, she was just fully focused on spreading the belief that “Shakerism” was the one and only real religion. After Ann died her efforts were carried on, 19 Shaker communities were formed in 8 states. Also, the Utopian society is a branch off of the Shaker community. Utopian societies involve men and women being considered equal. This is how Mother Ann Lee was part of the reform.
Works Cited:
"Mother Ann Lee." Information Technology Services. Web. 26 Feb. 2012. <http://spider.georgetowncollege.edu/htallant/courses/his338/students/mtipton/annlee.htm>.
"The Shakers and Mother Ann Lee." Paths of Devotion. Web. 26 Feb. 2012. <http://www.pathsofdevotion.com/christianity/shakers.html>.
"The Shaking Quakers." The History Communal Living. Web. 26 Feb. 2012. <http://www.utopia-britannica.org.uk/pages/Shakers.htm>.